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Talented performers head to Flagship Festival

A team of young local actors will take part in one of the largest youth theatre festivals in the world later this month, with support from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

Connections, the flagship event organised by the National Theatre, is being held in Inverness, Scotland.

A group from Kensington Road Youth Arts Centre (YAC) in Douglas is travelling to the event to participate.

The actors, aged between 13 and 19, will perform ‘Variations’ by Katie Hims, a play about family, string theory and breakfast.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is supporting them by assisting with the cost of travel to and from the UK for 13 young performers and their production team.

David Dawson from the YAC said: ’Groups from all over Great Britain are given one of 10 brand new plays each year to produce and perform and take to a festival. This year we are going to Inverness in Scotland and performing in the wonderful Eden Court Theatre.

‘A trip like this can only further develop young local talent and provide an experience that will stay with them throughout their lives.

‘On behalf of the Kensington Road Youth Arts Centre I’d like to thank the Steam Packet Company for its support, which has helped ensure we can attend the festival.’

The YAC provides arts activities, development and support for young people with activities for eight-to-18-year-olds taking place all year round. This includes regular weekly classes, one-off workshops and long-term projects.

The club ensures young people can try new activities, develop their skills in a particular art form and socialise in a welcoming and friendly environment. Resident youth workers and professional artists run activities in art, music, singing, dancing, acting, technical and holiday projects.

Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward added: ‘The Isle of Man has a great theatre community with many talented groups putting on performances and attending courses throughout the year.

‘We are pleased to assist the Kensington Road Youth Arts Centre to showcase the island’s talent in Inverness.’